Missing Bates College student found dead in Italy railroad tunnel

A Bates College student who went missing two days ago while traveling in Italy has been found dead, authorities said Saturday.

The body of 21-year-old John Durkin, of Rye Beach, N.H., was discovered in a railroad tunnel in Rome, authorities said. CNN reported that Rome railroad police said he had been hit by a train.

The State Department confirmed the find but did not release details about the circumstances of the death, citing “respect for the family at this difficult time.”

Durkin was an economics major with a minor in Asian studies at Bates College, a private liberal arts college in Lewiston. He was also a linebacker on the college’s football team. He was studying abroad with five other Bates College students through a program sponsored by Trinity College of Hartford, Conn.

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He was last seen by friends early Feb. 20 in the Campo de Fiori section of Rome, according to a statement by Bates College.

“This is a time of deep sadness for our community and for so many people who knew and loved John,” said Bates College President Clayton Spencer in a statement. “We are profoundly sad and share the tremendous grief of his family.”

Two of Durkin’s siblings also attended Bates: Frederick “Ted” Durkin, who graduated in 2011, and Clare Durkin, who graduated in 2012.

Bates students are away from campus on winter break. After the college has consulted with the Durkin family, the college will announce plans for a memorial.